Labdanum Essential Oil

Botanical Name:Cistus LadaniferOrigin: IndiaLabdanum is a small gummy shrub which grows up to 3 m tall, with lance-shaped leaves that are white and furry on the underside, and fragrant white flowers. Also known as a rockrose, Labdanum is the sticky brown resin obtained from the Cistus ladanifer. It has a long history of use as a fixative in perfumery. In ancient times, the resin was scraped from the fur of goats and sheep that had grazed on the shrubs. Collected by shepherds, it was sold to coastal traders. The false beards worn by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were actually the Labdanum soaked hair of these goats.